The biggest move this NBA offseason involved free agent LeBron James deciding to leave Cleveland and join the Los Angeles Lakers. Ahead of that big move, LeBron seemed to have a short list of potential landing spots. They included his former Cavaliers and the Philadelphia 76ers. The latter of those teams was completely ruled out as LeBron didn't really meet with Sixers officials and opted for Magic Johnson's Lakers. With that said, Philadelphia's Ben Simmons recently commented with his thoughts about LeBron's decision.

Simmons on LeBron's move

The Philadelphia 76ers' Ben Simmons has yet to achieve NBA All-Star status but seems like he is closing in.

He had a breakout rookie season for the team en route to the NBA Rookie of the Year Award. Simmons also helped lead his team to the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference, but they ultimately fell to the more experienced Boston Celtics in the playoffs.

The Daily Telegraph recently asked Simmons if he was disappointed that King James didn't choose Philly as his next team. Simmons said "a little bit," as clearly, he would've relished the opportunity to learn from one of the all-time greats and the team would benefit from the championship experience.

Simmons also said that LeBron made the best decision for himself and his family by joining the Los Angeles Lakers.

It's clear the young Sixers star is being political with his answer as every team in the league could benefit from having LeBron on their roster. It would turn any team into a playoff contender. The sports oddsmakers already believe the Lakers will win 48 games or so and make the playoffs this season with LeBron.

Sixers ready to compete

On the flip side, Simmons also admitted that his Philadelphia 76ers team still has the pieces it takes to compete. That statement may be more realistic than ever, as LeBron James won't be an obstacle for teams in the Eastern Conference, at least until possibly the NBA finals.

Last season, the Sixers defied expectations, by rising to the top three in the East.

This was due to Simmons' emergence as an all-around player on the court, and having a healthy All-Star Joel Embiid on the court. Markelle Fultz is finally starting to regain his health as well.

However, Philadelphia didn't really make a splash in NBA free agency or via trade. There was talk about them signing LeBron James or Paul George. Neither of those moves transpired. There were also rumors they might try to trade for Kawhi Leonard, but the Spurs' All-Star ultimately wound up on the Sixers' Atlantic Division foes, the Toronto Raptors.

That particular division seems to hold the three teams with the biggest chance of making it to the 2019 NBA Finals. Fans will be anxiously watching to see if the Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers, or Toronto Raptors end up challenging for the title.

Each of these teams has good enough rosters to do so, but all three probably would prefer having LeBron James, who was recently seen out with Tristan Thompson, on board for some extra help.

And even though LeBron may not have joined Simmons' team in Philadelphia, there's always that future chance that Ben might be tempted to head out west and join LeBron's new team.
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